Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has said a Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF)-supported research on indigenous zeolite catalysts has the potential to save Nigeria more than $300 million annually in foreign exchange by reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum refining catalysts.
Prof. Ahmed disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the university’s management team to the Executive Secretary of the PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, in Abuja.
He said the research had produced a patented indigenous technology with strong commercial potential that could strengthen local manufacturing and advance Nigeria’s technological independence if successfully commercialised.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the innovation demonstrates the benefits of sustained investment in research and presents an opportunity for PTDF to facilitate its commercialisation through strategic partnerships, pilot projects and industry collaboration.
“Having supported the development of this technology, PTDF is uniquely positioned to help facilitate its commercialisation through strategic partnerships, pilot projects and industry engagement,” he said.
Ahmed described PTDF as one of ABU’s most valued strategic partners, noting that the Fund had over the years contributed significantly to strengthening the university’s capacity to produce research that addresses national development challenges.
He said the university was committed to working with PTDF to develop a practical roadmap for transforming the innovation into a nationally recognised success story.
“We stand ready to contribute our researchers, laboratories and technical expertise to achieve this goal,” he said, adding that ABU also looks forward to expanding collaboration with PTDF in postgraduate training, advanced research, energy transition, local content development, digital innovation and capacity building.
The Vice-Chancellor also congratulated Prof. Aliyu on his appointment as PTDF Executive Secretary, describing it as a source of pride to the university community. He expressed confidence that the existing partnership between the two institutions would continue to grow.
Responding, Prof. Aliyu commended the ABU Vice-Chancellor for his leadership and reaffirmed PTDF’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the university.
He said the recent upgrade of the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies to the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology would further deepen academic and research partnerships with ABU.
According to him, students of ABU will have access to the new university’s 29 specialised laboratories, while the institution will also rely on ABU’s pool of experienced academics and researchers to support its growth.
Aliyu said PTDF was also pursuing the domestication of specialised training to bridge skills gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, noting that the shortage of skilled local manpower has compelled companies, including the Dangote Group, to rely heavily on expatriate workers.
He described ABU as a centre of academic excellence and appealed for the university’s continued support in advancing PTDF’s mandate of developing indigenous capacity for the nation’s petroleum industry.
